On April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million Americans took part in the first ever Earth Day. After witnessing a devastating oil spill in Santa Barbara in 1969, Senator Gaylord Nelson conceived the idea of an, "environmental teach-in" that could rally students at colleges across the United States to take action in their communities. Within one year, Nelson's idea flourished into the beginning of one of the world's greatest awareness events.

Today, as climate change threatens the world as we know it, people are taking actions to reduce their carbon footprints, re-use goods, and recycle every item possible. In the promotional products industry, so too are people fighting for change. The best illustration of this is the huge line of promotional eco-friendly coasters being introduced. Included in this sustainable supply are the most innovative of products; custom printed flat tire coasters.

As popular members of the promotional family, coasters provide an eye catching logo display and serve as convenient accessories for any occasion. They can be placed in the break room at work, or used to prevent water damage and scratches on hard surfaces at home. Most commonly, coasters are utilized in bars and restaurants to improve the service and help to promote special offers. However, most of these coasters are not recyclable, and only widen any given establishment's carbon foot print.

To help reduce the carbon foot print of one industry, we must use resources from another industry. In the automobile industry, over 240 million tires are thrown away each year. Unfortunately 78% of them end up in landfills. That's why the brilliant idea of recycling tires into useful coasters is so prevalent. Now, by manufacturing these custom imprinted flat tire coasters, the promotional products industry is working towards a greener future.

Like all environmentally friendly products, these coasters are sustainable solutions for our world. Small changes, like choosing recycled coasters and buying long-lasting, better quality tires will help to reduce your carbon foot print and give way to a bright future. Because as the founder of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson said, "The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard."